Tag Archives: Yoga

Over the past few, well, let’s stop right there. Ever since 9th grade of high school, I’ve been seeking out ways to confidently step out onto the sandy beaches with a “yes! This is my body!” sort of attitude.

Now that I’m a 23-year-old working professional, can buy cuter bikinis and stopped eating cheetos for breakfast, now is the time.

Maybe you’re a mother of three, a 30-year-old male in cybersecurity or 62 and planting your first retirement garden– whoever you are, you can benefit from any or all of these life tips.

Gaining weight can be a combination of several factors, such as increased stress, heredity, and even medical issues. Or, it could be simple lifestyle change leading to more calories consumed and fewer burned, resulting in increased fat tissue. Perhaps an increased workload, change in schedule, or an unfortunate injury has made it more difficult to work out regularly. Increased stress is another common factor which can lead to a change in diet, often with the outcome of excessive calorie consumption which usually consists of sugars, fats and carbs, known as “empty calories.”

It is true that yoga doesn’t burn as much calories as an aerobic class or a run, but you are bound to strengthen your muscles, work up a sweat and leave that class feeling invigorated and refreshed. According to Harvard Medical School Health Publication, a hatha yoga class, which is a less vigorous form of yoga than ashtanga, actually burns equal amount of calories as gymnastics, competitive volleyball, water aerobics and horseback riding, about 240 to 356 calories every hour. This however depends on individual body weight.
While ashtanga yoga is not a vigorous cardiovascular workout, it does support weight loss in various other ways. It qualifies as a muscle building and strength-training exercise, while offering a series of mental health benefits.
Here are some of the ashtanga yoga poses that will help you feel positive and energetic on your journey to weight loss.